Programme Manager – Commerce (Contract)

Overview

As Programme Manager, you will lead cross-functional teams to deliver complex, on-budget projects within deadlines, translating business value into actionable plans. You’ll collaborate with the Account Director to hit productivity targets and ensure governance, risk control, and quality across the programme. You’ll manage dependencies, resources, and stakeholder relationships while enabling effective ways of working from kick-off through delivery. This role sits in VML’s Enterprise Solutions, helping top brands achieve multi-channel digital experiences. A hybrid London-based contract offers a chance to shape high-impact commerce solutions.

Pay / Benefits

• career development
• hybrid work model
• inclusive culture

Responsibilities

• Accountable for delivery across the programme
• Analyse and mitigate risks; produce management reports
• Define and implement start-of-programme ways of working and governance
• Manage dependencies and create programme-level plans
• Ensure progress across workstreams and adapt plans as needed
• Provide guidance to project managers and line management
• Maintain resource plans and track end dates with functional leads
• Track and fulfil resource requests internally or externally
• Build strong relationships with client stakeholders and WTC team
• Understand client vision and plan programme to achieve it
• Manage third-party vendors on behalf of the client

Key requirements

• Experience managing multiple teams across different workstreams (minimum 20 people)
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and release management
• Proven track record delivering ecommerce migration/re-platform
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills
• Experience with fixed-price project delivery and multi-vendor management
• Experience managing budgets and finances at programme level, preferably in ecommerce
• Experience overseeing third parties
• Excellent risk management and Agile experience (minimum 3 years)
• Experience transitioning from Waterfall to Agile; familiarity with Scrum and Kanban
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Commercial knowledge and contract negotiation experience advantageous
• 6+ years in Software Application Development project management
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)
• BA/BS degree in information management, marketing, communications, or related area advantageous

• Strong communication and relationship management
• Diplomacy in handling sensitive issues
• Collaborative and adaptable leadership
• Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban)
• Release management
• Ecommerce platforms and migrations

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